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**IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SPRING FAMILY MINI SESSIONS ON 4/27 PLEASE CLICK HERE**

Otherwise, read on…

“How do I book a photo session with Jamie at Live Love Lens Photography?”

First, let’s determine what type of photos are you looking for? Family, newborn, branding, or mitzvah?

To book a photo session, a session fee is required to secure your date and time. This covers your photo session and the editing and creation of your proof gallery. This also includes “what to wear” recommendations, tips on how to prep, and a pre-session call upon request.

Scroll down for more FAQ…

Family PhotoS FAQ:

When is a good time to book family photos?

Since I mainly work outdoors, spring and fall are most popular! The cooler temps allow everyone to be comfortable - not too hot or cold. And, fall foliage! No explanation needed. With that said, I also love a summer sunset or a snowy scene!

Where do family photos take place?

Typically in a park in Essex or Union County, NJ. My favorites are Memorial Park in Maplewood, Taylor Park in Milllburn, Verona Park in Verona, Echo Lake in Mountainside, and Nomahegan Park in Cranford. I also love the South Mountain Reservation! It’s also fun to take “On the Town" photos in your favorite downtown area (such as Maplewood, Summit, Millburn, Madison, or Westfield, NJ). Photos can also be done at your home - in the yard, the garden, on the porch, or even in your pool!

What time of day is best for family photos?

For families with young kids, morning is usually best when they’re bright eyed and less sleepy. I mainly photograph families in the morning or later in the day, before sunset. You know your family best. It’s best to avoid being cranky, hungry, or overtired during photos (this goes for grown ups too!!) so choose the time of day that works best or your family. Are you morning people? Great! Love golden hour photos? Perfect. I’ll always try my best to accommodate you.

We’d like our photo session to include grandparents and cousins - can we do a large family photo session?

Of course!! Up to six family members are included in the standard family photo session. To do a big family session, you would choose “big group family session” from the booking page and select how many additional family members you would like to include.

What should we wear?

First and foremost, you want to be comfortable and feel like YOU. Coordinating is great, but no need to all match.

A good tip is to dress “for the season” - warm autumn tones in the fall, pastels and softer tones in the spring.

Here are some links to check out:

Fall “What To Wear”

Spring/Summer “What To Wear”

How do we view the images after our photo session?

Within three weeks of your photo session (or sooner if you choose a “rush” fee), you’ll receive a proof gallery of around 75 images. You will review your proof gallery, along with the package options, and decide what to get.

We love the photos!! Now what??!

So many options for your new family photos! I always recommend choosing some tangible photo items so you can enjoy your photos for years to come, and display them in your home. I’m available to help you make your selections.

Print options include photo albums, photo art (metal, wooden and canvas), standard prints, and digital files. I personally own all the items I offer, and love them all.

Help!! My kids don’t like taking photos!! How are they going to cooperate for you??

This is pretty common, no worries! It’s a team effort for sure…

1. First, we check off the basics: kids should eat before the shoot, try on outfit and make sure they’re comfy in what they’re wearing (this is HUGE! it’s not worth the battle!!). Give them some control over the photos - do they want to bring their favorite toy or book and take a bunch of silly pics in the beginning? Do they have a favorite way to pose? And always get a good night’s sleep - the night before photos is not the time for am epic sleepover.

2. Prep your kiddos for photos a few days prior - talk about how special it is to take family pics (show them some of yours!) and how they’re soooo awesome for doing a photo session! Play “photo session” with stuffed animals or toys - let them use your phone or a toy camera. And maybe there’s a promise of something special after, if you think that would help…such as ice cream or their favorite show.

3. I’m told I’m pretty good with kids of all ages. I have a social work background and have lots of experience with little ones through teens. I am silly and goofy and love to be a kid. I never force smiles or sitting still (running and dancing encouraged!) and I always try to “meet the child where they are at”. I’m known to play Elmo videos or have a “Baby Shark” dance party. Some sessions have more “looking-at-the-camera” smiling photos and others have more natural, candid moments. Both are great. All children are welcome and encouraged to be themselves.

4. Lastly, and probably most important, the more calm and patient the adults are, the more likely we are to capture great moments. Having FUN during the photo session is key - it’s supposed to be light and fun, not too serious. Often times, the more we yell “smile Johnny!!”, the less likely Johnny is to smile. It’s best to take a step back and let the magic unfold.